Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2011-2012 > Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts > Modern Languages and Literatures > German

German

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Modern Languages and Literatures

Objectives

During the phase of early language acquisition, our German courses build students’ language skills and intercultural awareness. While still perfecting their language skills, students in GRMN 203 and above are introduced to short German prose from a variety of literary traditions. Literature courses range from a general survey of German literature over the centuries to the study of specific genres, such as drama, the novella, and the German fairy tale. In addition to literary studies, the German section also offers a course on German film and a course on German culture and civilization that provides an introduction to German history, society, politics, and the arts, while developing students’ general intercultural awareness. For students interested in the language of business, the German section offers two business-related courses.

German Student Learning Outcomes

Students minoring in German will know:

The principal aspects of the German language
The principal aspects of the history of German literature and film
The principal aspects of the history and culture of German-speaking countries;

Students minoring in German will be able to:

Speak, understand, read, and write German in meaningful contexts
Use the latest relevant applications in educational technology
Read literary texts in German and discuss their content, techniques, and social significance;

Students minoring in German will value:

German language, literature, and culture
Expressing independent critical opinions
Increasing intercultural awareness.

German courses at LMU foster communication and understanding others as essential aspects of the education of the whole person. Students thus embark on a road of lifelong learning that will take them into a richer future.

Minor Requirements

The German minor consists of 18 semester hours above the 100 level: GRMN 203, 204, 301, and three courses from upper division offerings (300-400 level). Within this minor a professional German emphasis is possible, with GRMN 302 and 437 as upper division course options for the business-oriented student.

The GRMN 101, 102, 203 series is recommended for those who seek a basic speaking, writing, and reading knowledge of the language.

Students of German may wish to take advantage of LMU’s semester or full year New Europe Program in Bonn, Germany, to improve their language skills. Lower division elementary and intermediate German language courses in Bonn are listed as EURO 181 and 283 each semester. GRMN 301 (Mastery of German) is also available on a regular basis.

German Placement and Proficiency Testing

To know when and how a student should take a language placement exam in German, please refer to the guidelines provided under Modern Languages and Literatures.

Once per year in the Spring, the German section offers a general proficiency test in German (ZD) for its graduating minors. The test is internationally recognized and certifies the language skills of the student to prospective employers in the public and private sector.